Last day of January...hard to believe Gratitudes * Understanding friends, who have been such a support to me * Holding back * LONG walk with dog today * Wonderful dinner (100% on plan) with girlfriends...celebrating 22 years of friendship! * My sweet little dog turned TWO years old today,... * Running into son's high school friends who I haven't seen in over 20 years...and they remembered me! * Yoga weekend retreat thru Groupon...planned for March.

~~~Kathy~~~

Scales lie. Pants don't lie. ~~~

If the only prayer you ever say is "thank you" that shall suffice. ~~~~~~ Meister Eckhart

-Rewarding myself for a wonderful week of exercise AND my commitment (by way of scheduled appointments) to Tues/Thurs strength training with a personal trainer at work -The reward being something that will help me in the future - two yoga DVDs (a win-win reward) -A great dinner out with friends to celebrate a retirement (I'm SO envious) -Planning well earlier today since I knew I was eating out for dinner -My sweet kitties who were happy to see me even though I stayed out much later than I thought I would AND was out last night also -Tomorrow being a stay-at-home, chill and relax day!!! -My warm bed, calling me now

~ giving & feeling loved ~ an unexpected call from a long-time friend ~ laughing with my daughter & her partner via Skype ~ rest ~ hoping this pneumonia has turned a corner but savoring the moments ~ preparing mentally to go back to work on Tuesday ~ trying to let go of anger, pride, defensiveness toward my supervisor ~ all is well ... life is good

On the last day of January 2015, thankful for a month when I watched for kindness everyday.

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can." -- H.H. the Dalai Lama Mountain time

Thankful for my 83rd birthday grateful I am still going strong walking with the Lord. Able to reach out to an old friend, and remember the encouragement I received a long time ago. The many blessings received from this team.

Dot

Dot - Florida - B/day l/28/32

For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else. Winston Churchill. t

ALL that's right in my life and HERE. The good health my family and I enjoy. A walking date even if it requires pushing myself. A healthy, delicious breakfast. Fresh eggs, avocado, red onions and orange pepper. Cups of green tea. The willingness to plan and track what I ate. Staying within my calorie range yesterday. Chicken broth cooking in crock pot. Motivating myself via SparkTime. Remembering to see the beauty around me. Our comfortable home. TV Movies iPhone iPad iPod

Grateful tonight * that a friend recognizes the need to make a life altering decision this weekend. * the great haircut my dog got today! * for all the joy that bundle of fur brought to my life during desperately dark times * for my home and all the comfort and security within * diminished joint pain * granddaughter back to norma, back to school.

~~~Kathy~~~

Scales lie. Pants don't lie. ~~~

If the only prayer you ever say is "thank you" that shall suffice. ~~~~~~ Meister Eckhart

-A VERY solid week of exercise; one of the best I've had in nearly a year -Healthy incentive exercise program at work off to a great start -Wonderful thai dinner with friends I hadn't seen in quite awhile -A walk and talk at the mall after dinner with my best walking buddy -My warm home, a comfortable bed to sleep on -My wonderful kitties

On this Friday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for - an excellent Early session on creativity - reminder to journal - DH finding a way to for a much needed roof upgrade - packed breakfast and lunch - with friends

Life is GOOD - here's to living and celebrating it daily and gratefully!

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things" Maya Angelou

"If you laugh you change; and when you change the world changes." Shilpa Shah

"Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. She gives most who gives with Joy." Mother Teresa (1910-1997); Founder Of The Missionaries Of Charity

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience" Teiha

~ accepting ups/downs of healing ~ accepting I have to go back to work on Tuesday healthy or not ~ letting go of things unimportant in the big scheme of life ~ talking to my daughter tonight ~ my son called just to check up on me ~ my spouse, the love of my life and nurse extraordinaire ~ all is well ... life is good

-A very successful first week back at strength training -My body starting to remember how good it feels to get regular exercise -A fantastic week of exercise (strength training and cardio, something every day, sometimes both), in large part due to my company's healthy incentive program -Meeting my first goal of 2015 -The feeling that despite the upcoming hard dates in February/March, I just might really make it through this horrific loss -My mother asking for a phone date this weekend; hasn't happened in several years! -My warm and comfortable bed, including snuggly kitties, with more Downton Abbey to watch; they are all calling me now!!

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can." -- H.H. the Dalai Lama Mountain time

It's been a trip to Nashville and what seems like an eternity with pneumonia since I last posted. Even in my absence, it gives me comfort knowing that you all come here and share your thanksgivings. Reading your posts for the past couple of weeks is gratifying. This Tuesday, I give thanks for ...

~ on the mend from pneumonia ~ feeling bright enough to laugh with my sweetie ~ enjoying British murder mysteries & Top Chef ~ accepting that the body knows when it's time for a rest ~ finding an internist who listens ~ committed to catching up on long neglected routine maintenance on my body ~ all is well ... life is good

-A noticeable difference (at least for now) in handling life's stress without melting down (such as a brand-new replacement credit card that had somebody try to charge $711+ on it) -The T-Mobile kiosk at the mall I walk at; they were able to tell me what was going on with my phone -Cassie, Cleo and Rosie; always happy to see me get home and always puts a smile on my face -My first strength training workout today with a trainer at work; to be continued Thursday -Feeling like I'm finally regaining some of my energy; not yet like what I used to have, but most definitely improvement -This weird January weather; tomorrow is supposed to be 70 degrees (the norm might be 30) -Planning on a walk at lunch tomorrow to enjoy the temps -My warm, comfortable bed with two more episodes of Downtown Abbey to view

On this Tuesday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for - from Fitbit Support - my Surge should be here soon! - packed breakfast and lunch - not just for the calories, but for the nutrition - to see my teammate - prep for major project meeting - Tasty Tuesday comfort food for dinner

Life is GOOD - here's to Living and Celebrating it Daily and Gratefully!

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things" Maya Angelou

"If you laugh you change; and when you change the world changes." Shilpa Shah

"Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. She gives most who gives with Joy." Mother Teresa (1910-1997); Founder Of The Missionaries Of Charity

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience" Teiha

-Being able to work at home today -Getting FOUR loads of laundry done while working (major joy of working at home) -Nice e-mail exchange with my mother, including pictures of my identical twin nieces (age 4, still pretty identical) -Putting together a nice (and healthy) dinner that will also have leftovers for 3-4 more meals -More Downton Abbey tonight; got to get through Seasons 1-4 as I DVR Season 5 and fortunately, a friend had DVDs of 1-3 I could borrow - I haven't watched much TV in so long -Exercise incentive program at work started today -I've made Tues/Thurs appts with a personal trainer at our workout facility for the next 10 weeks; I got back into cardio first, but now it's time to get strength training going again -My sweet kitties who are such great company for me

All that's right in my life and here. The good health mnfamilynand I enjoy. An early morning walking date. Good movies. Favorite TV show. Our comfortable home. Old friends and new friends. Seeing the beauty around. Memories.

*For knowing who I am...for the ongoing renewal of spirit and mind *For finally seeing my own value...just as I am *For clarity in relationships *That my granddaughter is doing so well, and will return to school on Monday Tthat the pounds are beginning to fall off once again *For my most amazing friends

~~~Kathy~~~

Scales lie. Pants don't lie. ~~~

If the only prayer you ever say is "thank you" that shall suffice. ~~~~~~ Meister Eckhart

cross country skiing with two friend and my husband spending a day OUTSIDE! Montana, my home and the Yellowstone River.

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can." -- H.H. the Dalai Lama Mountain time

-Everything Ann said!!!!!!!! (well done) -My 11-day exercise streak -Having dinner tonight with two friends I hadn't seen since October (my bad) -Meeting another friend for tea on the way home from dinner -A stock-up trip to Costco today -Getting in a bunch of walking, intentionally going up and down every aisle at a fairly fast clip before I even got a cart and my purchases selected -A scare with my smallest kitty getting her head into the handles of an empty paper bag from a local chocolatier where my sister had purchased; so very grateful the kitty came running down the hall to me, bouncing that paper bag with her and that I was there to fix it -A lazy kind of weekend, for the most part, getting into Downton Abbey

-Lunch with a retired, former co-worker that I really enjoy -A short 2-day work week, now with another weekend to recuperate -My sister's visit; it was very wonderful, but I am very tired as I ran harder than I have in months -Still getting some exercise in today, no matter how small, to keep my streak going -Chilling out tonight with Downton Abbey DVDs to try and get me up to speed -Eating the last of the leftovers from my last dinner with my sis, so no need to cook -My warm and comfortable bed, filled with three sweet kitties, all calling me now ...

Grateful today * That my granddaughter was DISCHARGED from the hospital last night! No signs of abscess, ilius or other complications. * For dedicated nursing staff that supported her, and the family through this difficult past 8 days... * For her basic health, restorative cells and muscular body, All contributing to her healing. * For the incredible stories and lives that I encountered this past week at the homeless shelter (Will be repeated in March!) * The possibilities that lie before me... and the choices I have made thus far.

~~~Kathy~~~

Scales lie. Pants don't lie. ~~~

If the only prayer you ever say is "thank you" that shall suffice. ~~~~~~ Meister Eckhart

-Going out and walking in the park at lunch with a co-worker, despite it being a bit chilly, which means ... -A 9-day walking streak -Plans for a fitness break this afternoon with another co-worker -My totally sweet sister leaving me an encouraging note before she left for the airport this morning AND sending me an e-mail with a picture of my Siamese nephews! -After having company for 6 days, even as much as I loved it, I have plans for a NIGHT ALONE at home chilling out totally (hence, getting my exercise done earlier) with my kitties -Company exercise incentive program starts Monday and it's a team-based program, which will give me LOTS of accountability, which always helps motivate me

-Kathy's granddaughter doing better, for sure!!!! -Another great walk with my sister today -An 8-day walking streak!! -Getting litter boxes totally cleaned out today (3 cats, 3 boxes, an ordeal) -A 2-day work week -Having a wonderful visit with my sister nearly all to myself (very unusual and special since she used to live here and knows lots of people) -My sister treating me to a massage this afternoon -Nothing serious happened when I lost a credit card for the first time ever; I realized it within 24 hours, looked everywhere I could and then just called and ordered a stop/replacement card that will arrive by Saturday

-- I have the opportunity and time to join you again and see the "hellos" from Stephanie and Rachel!

-- that Kathy's grand daughter is progressing so well in the healing process

-- that I seem to have an ongoing excellent communication with my new landlady

-- now living in the same community as a friend of Connie's who moved to Ecuador -- she's fluent in Spanish and loves the cultura latina as I do and we're developing a sweet friendship

-- frijoles tiernos (fresh beans, instead of the dried red and pintos we're used to) which are in my fridge waiting for me to get home and put on to cook for lunch, along with chard, which is abundant here (organic, in this case)

Blessed be, Maha

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. -- Mahatma Gandhi

*That my granddaughter is continuing to progress with her healing. She's "tooting and pooping" and was even started on food today!she's walking in the hall four times a day, and is off the morphine IV, and on pain pills instead. Discharge home hopefully within the next day or two.

*That I've had the opportunity to work in a homeless shelter all week in the evening's when I leave the hospital.

*that these people reminded me of my less fortunate days, when food clothing and shelter were very difficult to come by.

*That I am so abundantly blessed financially and materially at this point in my life

*Again, I am thankful for my neighbors

*That my son and daughter-in-law Took some "couple time" and spend the day together, away from the stress of the hospital. They are the most marvelous parents, and really deserved that break!

~~~Kathy~~~

Scales lie. Pants don't lie. ~~~

If the only prayer you ever say is "thank you" that shall suffice. ~~~~~~ Meister Eckhart

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can." -- H.H. the Dalai Lama Mountain time

-A REALLY long walk with my sister today, nearly 1-1/2 hours! -Seeing Maha here and reading her gratitudes!! -My wonderful kitties, who are also enjoying seeing their aunt!!! -A total splurge on dinner (portion control is the name of the game here, along with not doing this very often); good thing we had that extra long walk today! :-) -My FitBit getting a workout with much larger numbers to contend with for the past week!! -My warm and comfortable home -An incredible bed to sleep in with a soft pillow to lay my head upon

There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy. -- Ralph H. Blum

Muchos saludos to all my gratitudin' friends! It's such a pleasure to stop by here, though a bit complicated in my current situation. Among the abundance in my life ----

-- Ann's beautiful message to me via a Spark Goodie that resulted in me taking this time to "be with" you all

-- seeing my dear NM friend Connie, with whom I stayed in May on my way across to CA in my camper, beginning to make use of the powerful resources SPeople offers us to reclaim optimal health -- YAY CONNIE!

-- my wonderful fully furnished (we're talkin' down to the silverware) one bedroom garden apartment in the pueblo of Cotacachi, Ecuador, having lived previously in Otavalo, some 20-30 minutes away

-- the very good fortune that the landlady, an eccentric little Ecuadorian woman who is retired from her work as an x-ray tech, lowered the rent from $300 to $150 because she likes me!!!!!!!!!

-- a beneficial conversation with the faculty person at Universidad de Otavalo about working there, thus *possibly* qualifying for a work visa, which would mean I would not leave here in an "illegal" status in June (long story)

Blessed be, Maha

Edited by: VALERIEMAHA at: 1/21/2015 (11:03)

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. -- Mahatma Gandhi

-My sister (having lost her husband over 8 years ago, she gets what I'm going through better than most) -Her visit to spend 6 days with me, cherished, precious time together -Long walks EVERY day, followed by better sleep as a result -Taking family jewelry down to Beth's sister-in-law and niece and having the "dreaded" trip turn out to be wonderful as they want me to keep in touch and visit again - we shared great family stories and even had some laughter -Our shared love of tea, hers iced, mine hot -A wonderful Indian buffet for lunch yesterday with the most excellent masala tea (and I didn't really overeat at a buffet!!!!)

On this Monday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for - with friends - MLK day, for more than just the long weekend - what a glorious break - alignment and finding a new store in town - a soak in a clear tonight

Life is GOOD - Here's to Living and Celebrating it Daily and Gratefully!

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things" Maya Angelou

"If you laugh you change; and when you change the world changes." Shilpa Shah

"Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. She gives most who gives with Joy." Mother Teresa (1910-1997); Founder Of The Missionaries Of Charity

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience" Teiha

SO much to be thankful for this week. * That we did not lose my 10 year old granddaughter (came awfully close...) * That she is smiling now, though still in pain, * That her catheter is out....KIDNEYS are functioning once again and her generalized edema is down. * That they are going to attempt removal of her NG tube within the next 24-48 hours * That she passed gas (HUGE!) * That my son and his wife have been diligent with their 24/7 support (Though I have been back up for them to get a break every day....) * SO many more things I am grateful for, but will save them in my heart.

~~~Kathy~~~

Scales lie. Pants don't lie. ~~~

If the only prayer you ever say is "thank you" that shall suffice. ~~~~~~ Meister Eckhart

-My new iPad, purchased today while my sister and I were out shopping in the beautiful, sunny warm day (with a gift card that I won in a drawing at my company holiday party)! -A 5-day walking streak -My favorite walking buddy, my sister (who lives in L.A.), who likes to walk every day for at least 45 minutes, my kind of walking buddy, though my local best walking buddy and I often do more than an hour -My sweet kitty girls, doing pretty well with my sister here with us -A wonderful dinner out, with me being able to get lots of veggies in! -Plans to drive to Beth's home town tomorrow and give family jewelry to family, long overdue, glad my sister is here to go with me -My warm, comfortable, safe home

Sunday 1-18 Thankful for each of you and your posts My Scott , his birthday 1-16 When my mind goes out, He calls it back.

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can." -- H.H. the Dalai Lama Mountain time

All that's right in my life and here. The good health my family and I enjoy. My gratitude practice and knowing there is always something to be grateful for. Our comfortable home. Seeing the beauty around me. A healthy appetite. Family Friends, old and new. Happy hour.

-My FitBit, that always motivates me -Finding out that I get extra incentive points at work every day my FitBit goes over 10,000 steps (considered active) -Walking outside in the park at lunch two days in a row -The sunshine and temps that allowed that walking outside -These incredible minds and hearts that we have - to be struggling so hard with it being the 16th (again), the 10-month anniversary of Beth's death, and at the same time being excited that my sister is arriving tonight -Weather is supposed to be in the 50s for several days -My sister and I loving to walk together

-Ann being such a good and caring friend to her friend who is dying -Awesome temps (upper 40s) and sunshine today -Taking a good walk at lunch for exercise and some Vitamin D -Getting through a tough afternoon (which surprised me after a good walk, but tomorrow is the 10-month anniversary of Beth's death) -My manager finally agreeing to let me out of traveling to a conference in September, although it took all I had to explain that one day of the conference will be on what would have been Beth's birthday (I had never said I would go to begin with; she just assumed) and I want to be home -My sweet kitties who always make me smile! -My warm and comfortable home, bed and pillow ... heading that way now.

~ sick day yesterday to wrap my head around new health reality ~ managing my propensity to focus on "what if?" ~ trying to maintian balance between hyper and hypo awareness of body ~ looking forward to seeing my son & friends this weekend ~ working on accepting confusion & uncertainty ~ beautiful sunny day with moderate temperatures ~ all is well ... life is good

On this Thursday morning, I continue to be blessed and am grateful for - a welcome change - packed breakfast and lunch - keeping me healthy! - @ lunch in the - continued lessons in Trust - chicken for dinner

Life is GOOD - Here's to Living and Celebrating it Daily and Gratefully!

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things" Maya Angelou

"If you laugh you change; and when you change the world changes." Shilpa Shah

"Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. She gives most who gives with Joy." Mother Teresa (1910-1997); Founder Of The Missionaries Of Charity

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience" Teiha

All that's right in my life and here. The good health my family and I enjoy. The willingness to change old habits in my quest for a healthy life. Taking my SparkTime. Journaling about the highlights and most challenging situations in last 24 hours. The willingness to plan and track what I ate. Forgiving myself when I make mistakes and just get back on track and move forward. Being present. Seeing the beauty around me. The beautiful new baby palms surrounding my patio. My gratitude practice.

Grateful for many things, but tonight.... * that my DIL listened to me for the first time in 20 years, when I BEGGED her to take the 10 year old granddaughter to the ER. * That she got there in time....appendix ruptured, but G-daughter ok. (We have had three family members whose appendix' ruptured with no warning. One didn't make it in time....) * For successful surgery today, with good prognosis * Access to healthcare * The prayers of many...

~~~Kathy~~~

Scales lie. Pants don't lie. ~~~

If the only prayer you ever say is "thank you" that shall suffice. ~~~~~~ Meister Eckhart

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